A Ragnar Relay Proposal: Part III – He Put A Ring On It

Derek and I didn’t know which legs we were running for the Ragnar Relay until this past October. Kelly-Ann, our SUPER amazing and well organized team captain, assigned all of the legs based on abilities and preferences. It was completely random that I ended up as the last runner since I didn’t request it but, when Derek saw it, an idea began to come together for a big finish.

I’m not going to lie. I was suspicious that he was up to something. My sister always said she had an idea that Anthony was going to propose before he did because he started acting funny in the weeks leading up to the event and Derek started being the same way. Certain stories didn’t match up and I could tell he was hiding something. I knew it was coming, I just didn’t know when.

And, if he wasn’t being obvious enough, he was even posting cryptic Facebook messages the entire race.

Foreshadowing, much?

While I was on my last leg, the rest of my teammates were rushing to the finish line for their traditional group finish. I didn’t know it at the time, but they were all in on the surprise and had been since we left Miami.

And they weren’t the only ones. Derek’s parents traveled from Tampa that morning for the surprise as well.

Sneaky. Sneaky.

I came up on the finish line after my last turn and, at first, couldn’t see my team. Then, Kerri and Dana grabbed me out of nowhere and brought me to the sea of pink where everyone was standing. I saw Derek and immediately let out a giggle over his ridiculous get up.

He was wearing one of my black hats and a fuzzy scarf we had picked up from Target two days before. I wasn’t sure if he would go through with the whole costume thing since he had been fighting it since the beginning but, there he was, looking ridiculous and grinning.

However, he was the tame one. Two of my other male teammates immediately began stripping down to the leopard thongs they had been planning to wear for the big finale. It. Was. Hilarious.

At this point, I was on cloud nine. I had a great run along the water. We were about to finish an amazing race and I didn’t even think to grab the camera from Derek to take photos of the finish. I just wanted to run and be in the moment. I would worry about photos after we crossed.

We held back for a couple of minutes so that another team could finish and then our team took off. I’m not even sure I was near Derek at this point. I was just running.

We crossed the finish line and I hear Derek yell, “MEGHANN!”

I turn around and for the first time I notice this silly stick-on mustache he was wearing. I laugh and poke at it with my finger.

He smiles back, grabs my hand, then drops to his knee.

Here’s where things get fuzzy.

This is one of those once-in-a-lifetime moments that I had pictured in my head a million times. The moment when Derek proposes. The moment I knew I would say yes. The moment where the only thing that mattered was the two of us. The moment where I go into shock.

My ipod was still playing in my ear. The crowd was loud with excitement. There were hundreds of people surrounding us.

And none of that mattered.

Derek was on one knee with the biggest, goofiest smile I had ever seen, wearing a stick-on mustache, saying something I wish I could hear, and holding a ring. Nothing mattered. He mattered. We mattered.

I didn’t know it at the time, but he was saying “I want to keep running with you. Will you marry me?”

I stared at him. Shocked. Unsure if this was really happening. It felt like an eternity before I could finally remind myself he probably needed an answer. The waterworks started pouring out before I could stop them.

My voice wasn’t working, I could only shake my head to ensure he got the proper yes. Of course, YES!

YES! YES! YES! YES!

Everything else happened so fast. The race announcer grabbed us and asked for our names.

The rest of the team poured in for congrats.

And Derek’s parents popped out ofno where.

I watched the video later and noticed his Mom tapped me on my shoulder three separate times before Derek finally pulled me around for a photo and I finally saw them. I have the funniest “What the heck are you doing here?” face in all of the photos. I think I was still in shock!

I wasn’t walking in these moments, I was floating. My first thought was to call my parents, my siblings, and everyone else that mattered, but really all I wanted to do was be with Derek. It was like something slipped in the back of my mind and I forgot about everything else.

Derek and I met back in college. He tagged along with my best friend Emily and I as we hit up Flippin’ Tuesdays at AJs on a random Tuesday night. We spent the entire night dancing to 80s music and made a pact to turn Flippin’ Tuesdays into a weekly tradition; a pact we kept until he graduated that spring.

After he graduated we sort of lost touch. There were the random phone calls and Facebook messages, but nothing tangible.

Then, in November of 2008, I had a random text message from Derek on my way up to Tallahassee for the homecoming football game. Derek was on his way too and wanted to meet up at Bullwinkles. It was raining and I almost didn’t go, but just when we were about to leave, the skies opened up and we decided to take our chances at the open air bar.

And I’m so glad we did.

Because that’s the night Derek and I reconnected. That’s the night I re-met my future husband. That’s the night I re-found the love I thought I had lost. That’s the night I told Derek yes to lunch the next day.

The rest is history.

Derek doesn’t know this but I’ve loved him since 2005. He’s the love of my life and I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with him!

I am literally sitting here crying. This is one of the most beautiful proposals I have heard. What a memorable and meaningful way to propose !! (and right up my alley!!)
Congratulations, again!! Enjoy wedding planning!!

This is FANTASTIC! Congrats to both you and Derek. I feel like this engagement couldn’t be any more perfect. Have fun wedding planning :-). Oh, and congrats on finishing your first Ragnar!Leanne @ The Skinny Architect recently posted..Lazy Saturday

This is such a great story!!! I almost got choked up! My bf and I have been together for years, 3.5 long distance, and we just moved in together- It such an amazing feeling to know you’re with someone who you want to spend the rest of your life with! Congrats!!!

As a long time reader AND someone who recently got married….I am in serious tears over here and overjoyed with happiness for you two! Congrats and enjoy it every step of the way. Marriage will unite you in ways you never thought possible and you will fall in love all over again. Happy planning

Aw Meg I’m so happy for you! I wish Derek were coming with you to our wedding this weekend because I’m telling you now until when you get married you’ll be so much more emotional at them. Gahhh congrats!!

Wahoo! This is so exciting! A huge congrats to you guys! What a meaningful and fun proposal…loved how you described it too. Here’s to many more years running together!Bonnie recently posted..Valleys & Peaks

Congratulations! You look so incredibly happy! There’s nothing like being with the love of your life and knowing that you’ll be with them forever.
Enjoy your engagement and all the time leading up to your wedding. And remember, it’s about the marriage, not the day. It’ll be wonderful no matter what because you’re with each other.Rosa – Fitness Food Fulfilled recently posted..Finally ‘At Home’

You look so shocked and happy in those pics. Congratulations to you and Derek – you deserve all the happiness in the world! Take your honeymoon in wine country and I’ll buy you a celebratory Ike’s sandwich.

Congratulations Meghann! I am so so so happy for the two of you! I love how he proposed to you while you were doing something you love! Katy (The Singing Runner) recently posted..WDW Half-Marathon Training: Week 8

Awww!! So sweet! I’m so happy for you and Derek! What a great love story. I love that you have loved him so long. Have a blast enjoying your engagement and planning your wedding – it goes by so quickly!April @ Marathons N Martinis recently posted..No Excuses

Congrats lady! I went through the same shocked moment when I got proposed to also! In fact I said “Is this real?” Wishing you the best as you plan for your future. I can’t recall a time in my life that I enjoyed more.Talia @ Bite Size Wellness recently posted..Roll up your Sleeve: January is National Blood Donor Month

That is so awesome Meghann, congratulations!!! I got married last year and the whole engagement experience was so exciting and fun! Soak this time in because he won’t be your fiancé for long, soon he will be your husband! Jana @ Newly Wife Healthy Life recently posted..No Meatball Problems Here

AWWWWWWWW! This got me all teary-eyed. I’m so very, very happy for you too. It’s so incredibly sweet, the way he asked you — if you’ll keep running with him. And it’s amazing, these re-connections in life and how important they become! Congratulations!

I’m So so so happy for the both of you! i’ve been reading your blog for the past two years. I couldn’t be more excited!! Can’t wait to hear all the wedding plans as they happen. Enjoy this time and .. not matter how stressful it may get .. keep that love at the center of all things

I am crying!!! Love reading your story! Thank you for sharing your journey with us! Again big congratulations to you and Derek! Don’t stress over the
wedding details or what others want or think you should do. What matters on the day is you and Derek standing in front of your friends and family commiting your love for each other.

I have chills everywhere from this story! You were the first blog I stumbled on back in the day and since then I’ve been waiting for this engagement:) couldn’t imagine a more perfect proposal for you. So very happy for you both! CONGRATULATIONS!Laura recently posted..Should We Guilt Kids Into Losing Weight?

I am weeping! I remember when we first met derek and shortly thereafter everyone started demanding to know if he was your boyfriend (i wondered but did not ask) and we have seen your relationship blossom and know it’s like the fairyblog engagement! well done mr. meals and miles.melissa (fitnessnyc) recently posted..Not a Bad Start

I am weeping! I remember when we first met derek and shortly thereafter everyone started demanding to know if he was your boyfriend (i wondered but did not ask) and we have seen your relationship blossom and now it’s like the fairyblog engagement! well done mr. meals and miles.

So excited for you! I just got engaged December 23, 2011 so I know how great it is to wake up every morning and realize that you’re ENGAGED. My “how we met/started dating” story is very similar to yours too. Congratulations!Brittany recently posted..2011 – Full of Memories

AHHH Meghann I’m reading this at my desk at work and I’ve got chills down my spine, arm hairs sticking up, and tears welling up out of happiness in my eyes (and I never cry lol!) Congratulations to both of you!! And tell Derek he had one hell of a proposal plan!

So cute! Congratulations! My husband proposed in Key West too. Not quite the excitement as yours, but it was sweet. We went to the beach at sunset with his family, who we were vacationing with. He took me for a walk down the beach, then got down on his knee in the sand and asked me to marry him. Happiest moment of my life. Stephanie @ Mr and Meatless recently posted..Scrambled tofu for breakfast

So cute! Congratulations! My husband proposed in Key West too. Not quite the excitement as yours, but it was sweet. We went to the beach at sunset with his family, who we were vacationing with. He took me for a walk down the beach, then got down on his knee in the sand and asked me to marry him. Happiest moment of my life. Stephanie @ Mr and Meatless recently posted..Scrambled tofu for breakfast

I’m so sappy – this totally made me cry! Congrats to both of you. There’s no feeling like finding the person that you love forever and knowing they love you back.
Great job on the race too!Heather @ Run Eat Play recently posted..Target Shopping Trip

Congrats! Fun that you had people taking pictures of the moment. Not a lot of people get that.
When my hubs proposed, I was totally blindsided. My first words were OH MY GOD. And I forgot to say yes for awhile too. Paula @ Eat: Watch: Run recently posted..Things I Do While Sitting on My Butt

“I turn around and for the first time I notice this silly stick-on mustache he was wearing. I laugh and poke at it with my finger.

He smiles back, grabs my hand, then drops to his knee.”

This is perfect! So sweet and just, well, perfect. I am so happy for you and I really felt all your emotion come through in this post. This is the best post you’ve ever written and I am SO happy for you and Derek!!!!!!!!!Dori recently posted..10 Things I Am Liking in 2012

Congratulations! I wish you both a fantastic engagement and an even better marriage. There is nothing better than marrying the love of your life. I know I can’t imagine having my best friend by my side every day!

Ok your not a biiiootch anymore. And I forgot to scroll forward to make sure this was the final installment I was so eager to read. Yeah!! Sniffles! I am so happy for you!!! He had to make sure it was perfect since it was going to be blogged about of course. LOLtheswanin.me recently posted..Going to the chapel and…

God, maybe it’s the age coming on and the constant pressure from my family that I’m getting old and need to get married, but this made me tear up! It really felt like we were there to witness your engagement, and what a fantastic moment. Congratulations!!!Lena @Fit on the Rocks recently posted..Where Is the Love?

I knew I shouldn’t have read this at work! Totally tearing up. Congrats guys! I remember when you posted about that night in 2008 (that’s how long I’ve been reading!). I wasn’t surprised when you guys became an item and I’m not surprised you’re getting married! Derek is a lucky guy!

Yay!!!! You need to put a wedding link on here now cause I want to know all of the fun details!!! I loved LOVED our wedding. It was SO us. Mexican food, margaritas, outdoors…what an amazing thing to experience with your love!!!! YAY!!!!

I am only reading your blog for about 1 year and a few months and I noticed that you always look a magnitude happier with Derek in the picture (and him with you). So, congratulations on the journey together ahead!Silvia @ skinny jeans food recently posted..Ode to….. many things

HUGE congrats to you both! I got engaged this summer and I know what you mean about that fuzzy feeling … I just kept saying “Are you serious?!?!?!” until he finally asked me if I said yes! Such a fun time

AGH! This post brought tears to my eyes! It’s so neat that you have so many years of history together, and the proposal is certainly a memorable one!Caroline recently posted..Half Marathon Week 1 Training Recap

oh my gosh, love this!!! totally crying over here, i love when people are in love! plus, it reminds me of when i got engaged last year and it was the same thing – total tunnel vision, i can’t even remember what he said, all i wanted to do was just scream and hug and kiss him forever! def one of the best moments of my life – second only to the actual wedding, which as you will see is even better than the proposal! congrats to you guys!! and way to go derek, i loved that he did it on his terms and in his way. very good sign for the future!!

congrats meghann! so happy for you both! a finish line that was actually a starting line for the rest of your life together! so cute. Mallory @ Have Your Cake and Eat It recently posted..Brownie Batter Pancakes for One

so flippin HAPPY FOR YOU!!! Congratulations! I’m a stranger to you but I teared up reading your post. I LOVE engagement stories more than anything in the world. The pure JOY at that moment when your world comes rushing in on the love of your life asking to pledge your love to each other forever in front of everyone. SO HAPPY FOR YOU

How awesome that you have so many photos of your engagement taking place!! My proposal back in the day was super private and we have one lone photo from the entire weekend that we went down the next morning and took. I cherish that one disposable camera photo just as much as my wedding photos themselves. Congrats!Sara@RunningInPinkProject recently posted..How Do You Solve a Problem Like Dessert?

Yay!!!!! What an amazing ending to a wonderful story – well, I guess it’s only just the beginning, but you know what I mean. Congratulations!!Heather @ Better With Veggies recently posted..Tuesday Training: Legs + SeaSnax Giveaway!!

I lovedddd this proposal!! It is so you I seriously got tears in my eyes reading this & I totally get what you are saying about everything getting fuzzy! That totally happenHenri me when my husband proposed. Congrats again – I’m so happy fir you both <3

AAHHHH goosebumps! I am SO HAPPY for you!! I KNEW it had to be soon! All I can say is your poor poor parents. My sister and I got married within 5 months of each other and my mom almost had a nervous breakdown.
I can’t wait to hear about all the plans. Enjoy this time, it goes by SO FAST!Heather recently posted..A Day in the Life 2012

This is so sweet – I love the planning that was involved, and your facial expression is so adorable – like your heart is about to burst.Deva @ Deva by Definition recently posted..La Mexicana: A Review of some Tasty Food

One million congratulations!! I got engaged in September and I don’t think I even said yes. I just nodded between sobs. Always remember Derek’s face when he proposed. I’ve seen my fiancé smile and emotional and all that but I’ve never seen him how he was when he proposed. Can’t wait to hear about planning!Jessica @ Sushi and Sit-Ups recently posted..Caddy Shanks

What an awesome engagement story! Very cool and I love that there were leopard print thongs and a fake mustache involved
Congrats again my dear!Laura @ Backstage Balance recently posted..3:30am, at work.

I’m a longtime reader (3+ years), and have read every single post in your archives, and couldn’t be more happy for the two of you. I checked your blog specifically on Christmas, New Years, and after the Ragnar relay, because I KNEW he’d propose no later than Valentine’s Day. Plus, no guy poses for cutesy, coupley Christmas pictures like your card unless he wants to put a ring on it! Just call it reader’s 6th sense. : )

On a completely random side note…you’ve never looked better! NROLFW and whatever you’ve been doing to your hair these past few months has turned you from a pretty girl into a knockout! 2012 is your year, girlfriend…own it! : )

WOW!!! I’m pretty sure this is the first time I’ve read your blog. After Skinny Runner tweeted about your engagement earlier, I came over and started with the first post in this series on the race and proposal. This is AWESOME!! Congrats to you both!! One thing I find so beautiful about this is that he proposed while you were doing something you’re clearly so passionate about. So sweet!! Ill def be back!Krystle {Fierce|Fabulous|Fit} recently posted..Fit Tuesday: Work Those ABS!!

Awww no joke – i literally just had to take a deep breath here at my desk so that the tears wouldn’t start flowing. What an awesome guy! Proposals like that when you’re a hot sweaty mess are the best!! I don’t know you two, but I couldn’t be happier for you two!! Wishing you both the very best!

soo happy for you!!! You must explain the significance of the ring he picked out! Why not just diamonds? Would love to know! Love that he proposed to you at a race, something you love doing and not somewhere cheesy!diana@mymarblerye recently posted..Sadly Random and Help!

I’m so ridiculously happy for you! When my fiance proposed I had NO clue it was coming. In fact a couple weeks before I had pointed out some rings that I liked that were on sale (ya know, just in case) and he said “stop pressuring me!”

WOO HOO! love the flashback pic and the explanation of how you guys met, I’d always wondered. The proposal pics are amazing. I want someone to be there at my proposal, I don’t care if it’s just me and my fiance and a photographer! hahaha congrats <3Caitlin C. recently posted..First Restaurant Visit of 2012: La Petite France

I love your memory gets fuzzy and stuff about all the proposal. Mine was the same way, I honestly remember NOTHING about what J said to me or anything. And then I was in such shock I didn’t talk all day!Emily recently posted..Up All Night

CONGRATS!!! I am holding back tears! Such a wonderful and thoughtful proposal, Go Derek! And I love the cryptic Facebook posts. When reading your post, I can totally relate, I got engaged in October and I felt the same thing…floating and almost out of body, not sure what’s going on, lol. I look forward to reading more about your future together, and wedding planning (which I am going through now). Exciting times!Katie G @ Just Roll With It recently posted..A Little Seasoning Goes a Long Way

This has got to be the most amazing, wonderful proposal story I have ever heard!!! And that you have the whole thing documented- amazing!!! I’m sure you’ve been letting it all sink in for the last few days- but it’s real!
Enjoy the next step: planning is definitely a fun journey!

Congrats again! It’s such a great story and such a great proposal for you. I’ve been traveling for work all week but I keep trying to read your posts when I get a chance!Maggie recently posted..A Surprise Trip to San Antonio

So excited for you! I remember when my husband pulled out the ring (I also knew it was coming but did not expect it when it happened!) the first words out of my mouth were “Nooooo” – meaning, “No, I can’t believe this is happening!” not, “No, I don’t want to marry you.” I clarified.

Did I miss the videos? I thought you said something on twitter about there being videos!Sarah @ The Strength of Faith recently posted..Done.

I’m completely late in reading this, but I wanted to wait to read it when I plenty of time to enjoy it! Congratulations!! Enjoy every minute of this special time!Kristen @ notsodomesticated recently posted..Whatcha Reading Weekend: The Hunger Games

I always read your blog, though I will admit somewhat sporadically….but these three blogs on the proposal were so addicting and now I find myself heading over to your page a couple times a day. You got me hooked now. Also, the video killed me. So sweet. Congrats!!!!Samantha recently posted..A Friday the 13th Project 365 Photo